Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, asserts that the team’s challenging season is primarily attributed to injuries to key players.
Despite a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag believes the new co-owners will comprehend the team’s struggles and emphasizes the impending return of several players in January, anticipating an improvement in performance.
The defeat against Forest marked Manchester United’s 14th loss in various competitions this season.
Notably, the team had won their last 11 meetings against Nottingham Forest, making this defeat a significant upset. Ten Hag acknowledges the importance of addressing the injury woes and believes that the return of players will elevate the team’s performance levels.
In response to a question about the team’s current issues, Ten Hag told Sky Sports, “The injuries. Also some issues but mainly the injuries hold us back in the process. In January we have a lot of players returning so then our levels can be higher.”
Despite the setback, Ten Hag is optimistic about future discussions with the new co-owners, including INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford. He acknowledges the disappointment of the result but points out the team’s fighting spirit and the better performance in the second half of the match.
“We are losing the game by a goal and you saw the fight in the team. We had our chances, the football in the second half was better. They kept believing and going until the end, but of course when the result is this, we are disappointed,” Ten Hag said.
He also addresses the challenges faced due to constant changes in the lineup, emphasizing the need for consistency. “We haven’t played with the same team in a row. We had to change again, so every time we have to swap our team. That doesn’t help or support the routines of the team and it explains why you are so inconsistent,” Ten Hag explained.
